Defensive plan works four me
BRUCE: TOON WON’T PLAY WITH FIVE AT BACK AGAIN
STEVE Bruce intends to stick with a back four when football returns and the Newcastle United head coach hopes his side can give supporters back home ‘something to get excited about.’
Bruce had initially been wary of using a back four because he recognised his players were comfortable playing with three at the back and a low block.
Newcastle were set up to hit teams on the counter-attack and while the Magpies claimed some impressive results with the system – against Spurs, Manchester United, Chelsea and Man City – they struggled to create chances in the New Year.
United failed to score in three league games, against Norwich, Arsenal and Crystal Palace, before switching to a 4-2-3-1 in February.
The change paid off. Newcastle created more chances in their final three games before football was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic and also kept two clean sheets.
Bruce now hopes his side can build on those displays against Burnley,
West Brom and
We won’t be returning to five at the back. It served a purpose but it was never the way I wanted us to play Steve Bruce
Southampton when Sheffield United visit St James’ Park on Sunday. “The football was difficult to watch at times,” he told the Daily Star ahead of the behind-closeddoors clash.
“But in our last three games, we changed the system and created a lot more chances and we’ll stick with that formation for the rest of the season.
“Perhaps, we may have to tinker when facing the bigger teams but we won’t be returning to five at the back. It served a purpose but it was never the way I wanted us to play.
“Hopefully, we’ll give our supporters back home something to get excited about.”